Over two days, the Portuguese brand Longlife – Essências de Portugal was present at the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka with an initiative that attracted strong public participation, from all age groups, in the Ocean Made room.
The action included the distribution of handmade soaps to visitors and creative wrapping workshops.
Around 2,200 soaps were offered to visitors, in a symbolic gesture highlighting the brand's care, attention to detail, and authenticity. The workshops allowed participants to learn wrapping techniques inspired by Japanese tradition, applied to Longlife products – providing a sensory, educational, and intercultural experience.
Founded in 2017, Longlife was born from a challenge launched by the Sanctuary of Fátima's administration: to create a commemorative soap marking the centenary of the apparitions. Since then, the project has evolved consistently and sustainably, culminating in the opening of its own factory in Portugal in 2020. Currently, over 70 per cent of the company's turnover comes from international markets, with a presence in more than 30 countries.
All the brand’s soaps incorporate Portuguese olive oil and elements characteristic of national culture, such as cork, aluminium, textiles, or traditional patterns. The commitment to Portuguese identity is a key element of Longlife and one of the pillars of its success abroad.
Japan has been a key market for the brand, which has visited the country annually since 2022. The relationship with its Japanese partner – based in Osaka – has enabled Longlife to establish an increasingly solid and well-positioned presence. At Expo 2025 Osaka, in addition to promoting its products, Longlife is reinforcing its commitment to internationalisation.
The founders, Rubem Silva and Gonçalo Duarte, express their ambition to expand their presence in Japan, open a flagship store in Tokyo, and explore new B2B business opportunities. Participation in the Portugal Pavilion strengthens this ambition, clearly demonstrated by the positive public response, and stands as a clear example of the internationalisation capacity of Portuguese companies, combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability in a demanding and highly competitive market.
As an official partner of the Portugal Pavilion, Longlife already has several initiatives scheduled throughout the six months of the exhibition, which runs from 13 April to 13 October 2025.
The action included the distribution of handmade soaps to visitors and creative wrapping workshops.
Around 2,200 soaps were offered to visitors, in a symbolic gesture highlighting the brand's care, attention to detail, and authenticity. The workshops allowed participants to learn wrapping techniques inspired by Japanese tradition, applied to Longlife products – providing a sensory, educational, and intercultural experience.
Founded in 2017, Longlife was born from a challenge launched by the Sanctuary of Fátima's administration: to create a commemorative soap marking the centenary of the apparitions. Since then, the project has evolved consistently and sustainably, culminating in the opening of its own factory in Portugal in 2020. Currently, over 70 per cent of the company's turnover comes from international markets, with a presence in more than 30 countries.
All the brand’s soaps incorporate Portuguese olive oil and elements characteristic of national culture, such as cork, aluminium, textiles, or traditional patterns. The commitment to Portuguese identity is a key element of Longlife and one of the pillars of its success abroad.
Japan has been a key market for the brand, which has visited the country annually since 2022. The relationship with its Japanese partner – based in Osaka – has enabled Longlife to establish an increasingly solid and well-positioned presence. At Expo 2025 Osaka, in addition to promoting its products, Longlife is reinforcing its commitment to internationalisation.
The founders, Rubem Silva and Gonçalo Duarte, express their ambition to expand their presence in Japan, open a flagship store in Tokyo, and explore new B2B business opportunities. Participation in the Portugal Pavilion strengthens this ambition, clearly demonstrated by the positive public response, and stands as a clear example of the internationalisation capacity of Portuguese companies, combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability in a demanding and highly competitive market.
As an official partner of the Portugal Pavilion, Longlife already has several initiatives scheduled throughout the six months of the exhibition, which runs from 13 April to 13 October 2025.
